CONCLUSIONS: Pulse wave analysis may be a useful non-invasive surrogate
marker for the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic risk
factors and coronary plaque load are associated with impaired vasomotor
and endogenous fibrinolytic function. Though plaque type was similar in
remodelled types, negative remodelling was associated with more
pronounced local vascular and endothelial dysfunction. These findings
collectively suggest an important local interrelationship between coronary
vascular structure and function that has implications for the
pathophysiology of ischaemic heart disease.